On tap, both at brewery and Michigan brewer’s guild fest. Dark brown like a light stout or dark porter with a thin to almost no tan head. Much more in the mold of a Celebrator Doppelbock, than the more common sweet bock style, in aroma as well as appearance. Fruity dark malt character (prunes, etc.) some roast is present, but no off-aromas. Prunes, plum and a nice vanilla to oaky bourbon subtlety. I cannot believe how well the bourbon integrates with the rest of this beer. Somehow, Steve has made this capture the vanilla above and beyond any other aspect of the bourbon, and it works perfectly with this style of doppelbock (especially when that doppelbock seems like a humdinger as well!). Light low carbonation, which feels appropriate. Not super thick, but certainly not watery in any way. Fruity with a nice little range of esters. Dark malt character in the back. A dry lingering bourbon vanilla subtlety. Dry prunes linger. I can’t say I’ve ever seen a more judicious use of a bourbon barrel. I have to agree with the brewer, Steve, this is even better than the bourbon barrel aged trippel weizen bock! If this were bottled, I’d drink this at least every other week, and I seldom have the same thing twice a month.

UPDATED: AUG 4, 2007 Tap at brewery: Very deep brown with minimal head but had some oily legs. The nose detected noticeable bourbon and vanilla vapours along with prune, anise, toffee, dark bread, and classic German hops. The taste first develops a rich toffee malt character with a bread background. There are heavy bourbon notes on the finish and is surprisingly dry and mostly clean which kept the beer balance in check. The mouth feel is medium weight, biting and slightly warming. Yet another wonderful brew by Steve. I will be going back for a growler or three.

UPDATED: SEP 8, 2007 Draft @ the Brewery. Dark brown with a small head. Aroma has a large helping of bourbon/wood with a hefty sweetness that comes from big roasty malts, dark fruits and vanilla. Flavor has lots of boutbon and wood, vanilla, oak, plumb, brown sugar, and other sweet flavors. Tasty, but the taste couldn’t quite live up to what I was hoping for. Still a great beer.

No doubt the highlight of our visit. Distinct,almost sharp whiskey aroma,but not so dominant that the rich dark caramel,molassas doesn’t come through, taste is again a slap of lively full force bourbon,with is wonderfully backed by very evident rich dark malt,certainly some sweetness there,and a quality whiskey finish. Obviously some excellent barrels used here,should improve with age

GTMW. A pleasure to sample this one as I’ve been a fan of Livery since they first appeared on the scene at the Great Taste in 2005. Enjoyed this one just before their casked aged IPA. Notes of bread, clove, cherry, black plum, and vanilla on a rich palate. Bourbon complements the characteristics of the doppelbock well. This may not be quite up to the standards of the Weizenbock on bourbon, but it sure is a great ride. Nice work, Steve!

On tap at The Livery, and served in a snifter. This beer poured a dark brown color with a very thin, light brown/gray head that left no lace. The aroma of the brew consisted of bourbon, light caramel, dark fruits, and some light alcoholic notes. The flavor was stong bourbon, dark fruit, wood, vanilla, with some warming alcohol showing up at the finish. The mouthfeel was full-bodied and slightly oily with a very minimal amount of carbonation. This was one exceptional beer. Don’t pass it up if you have the opportunity to try it.

MBGF07. Clear, brown/cola body with a tiny tan head. The nose is sweet, malty and vinous with toffee, cola and vanilla. Flavor is vinous with brown sugar, vanilla, cola and berry. Meidum/full body is very soft with light and gentle carbonation. Nicely done.

Dark black pour nice tan head, good lacing. Light bourbon aroma some butters and a touch of vanilla, some alcohols are quite prevelant but not bad a light wheat like grainy aroma over a touch of roastiness. Palate is full and well coated, lightly creamy. Flavor is delicious huge sweet tastes, definately a wheat beer, great bourbon that doesn’t dominate w/ some light vanillas.

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